Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts, established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, is bringing quality half-day and full-day pre-kindergarten to 11,000 three and four year olds in Pennsylvania.

Pre-Kindergarten. By enrolling your child in quality pre-kindergarten, your child has a better chance of being ready for kindergarten and grade school. This strong early start in pre-kindergarten means they have a better chance of doing well in school, going on to college or career training, and getting a good job.

Objective. Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts classrooms will:

· have teachers with the education and expertise to teach young children

· use a curriculum that will help your child grow, academically and socially

· regularly review your child’s progress and choose teaching and learning activities that are best for your child

· help you and your child adjust to pre-kindergarten and smoothly move on to kindergarten

· offer a small class size (20 students per one teacher and one aide) so that your child can have plenty of one-on-one time with the teachers

Eligibility. Each program offering PA Pre-K Counts classrooms will have their own guidelines, but PA Pre-K Counts is designed for children who

· are between age 3 and until they enter kindergarten

· are at risk of school failure, either because of:

o income (300% of the federal poverty level, a family of four earning $61,950)

o language (English is a second language)

o cultural or special needs issues

Cost. The portion of the day that is funded through Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts is free to families; the program may charge for additional portions of the day (wrap-around care, etc.).

Programs. The following are Centre County Pre-K Counts Providers:

Bennett Family Center

123 Bennett Family Center

University Park, PA 16802

814-865-4057

Contact: Wendy Whitesell

Child Development Laboratory

S-24 Henderson Bldg.

University Park, PA 16802

814-863-0267

Contact: Karen Hazel

Daybridge Child Development Center